In The Treehouse
In the Treehouse is a weekly series that invites business owners to share their dreams, challenges, and entrepreneurial journeys. Inspired by the nostalgic magic of childhood treehouses, the show creates a friendly and engaging space to explore the ups and downs of building a business while keeping the big-picture vision alive. Join the conversation and rediscover the imagination and ambition that fuel success.
In The Treehouse
ITTH E20 - Building Operations That Don’t Burn Out People
When childhood dreams and unexpected detours meet hustle and heart, you get Chris Slaughter’s story.
In this episode of In The Treehouse, Michael sat down with Chris, founder of CSS Transportation, to talk about how a love for cars turned into a career in IT, then pivoted into a thriving towing and transportation business.
Chris didn’t have a business degree or a playbook when he started out with just a Toyota Camry and a dream.
Today, he operates a full fleet, manages government contracts, and even launched The Auto Hanger, a space where the car community can come together safely and legally.
What stands out most about Chris isn't just his journey but how he brings his team along with him.
1. Start With What You Have, Not What You Lack
Chris began his business with a 2005 Toyota Camry doing roadside assistance and Uber. What mattered wasn’t the vehicle, it was the vision.
His early story is a masterclass in scrappy persistence.
2. Learn the Language of Business
Financial reports used to intimidate Chris.
But once he committed to understanding his numbers, he found errors, saved money, and gained control overgrowth.
3. Everyone is a Salesperson
At CSS, every employee knows they’re part of the brand whether they’re behind a desk or on the road.
Great service becomes word-of-mouth marketing, and that’s by design.
4. Culture Beats Chaos
By setting daily goals, encouraging feedback, and teaching concepts like “Eat That Frog,” Chris keeps his team proactive, not reactive.
He fights burnout with structure and purpose.
5. Give Your Dream Room to Expand
From launching a towing company to opening an automotive venue to planning entrepreneurship courses, Chris is proof that success breeds new dreams.
Chris Slaughter’s story reminds us that the road to success is rarely a straight line, but it can still be the ride of a lifetime. He took something simple cars and built something meaningful.
A business. A team. A movement. And most importantly, a culture where everyone has a stake in the dream.
If you’re feeling stuck or unsure about your next step, remember: it doesn’t take the perfect start. It takes the right mindset, the right people in your corner, and a willingness to learn on the go.
